Hollywood mogul Tyler Perry is facing a second major sexual assault lawsuit, with actor Mario Rodriguez filing a $77m (£60m) claim against the billionaire filmmaker. The suit alleges Perry used his industry power to subject Rodriguez to repeated unwanted sexual advances.
Details of the Allegations
The new complaint, filed in Los Angeles, claims the incidents began in 2014 when Rodriguez was approached at an Equinox gym by a trainer who said Perry wanted his number to discuss an acting role. Perry later encouraged Rodriguez to audition for the 2016 film Boo! A Madea Halloween, reportedly telling him: "I'm not a bad person to know and have in your corner."
Rodriguez alleges that Perry later invited him to his Los Angeles home, where the filmmaker touched him inappropriately while they watched a movie. The lawsuit details alleged incidents in 2016, 2018, and 2019. One encounter claims Perry "put his hands on Mr Rodriguez's legs and began rubbing his inner thigh right next to his penis."
When Rodriguez tried to leave for the bathroom, Perry allegedly insisted: "Man, if you would just come, I would take care of you for the rest of your life and you wouldn't have to worry about anything." The suit also claims film studio Lionsgate ignored the misconduct.
Legal Response and Previous Case
Perry's attorney, Alex Spiro, has strongly denied all allegations. Spiro pointed out that Rodriguez and the plaintiff from an earlier lawsuit, Derek Dixon, share the same lawyer: Jonathan Delshad. "Having recently failed in another matter against Mr Perry, the very same lawyer has now made yet another demand from more than a decade ago which will also be a failed money grab," Spiro told the Hollywood Reporter.
TheGrio reported that Delshad disputed Spiro's characterisation of Dixon's claims, stating they remain active after being procedurally moved from California to Georgia. This new lawsuit marks the second in recent months accusing the 56-year-old Perry, whose fortune is estimated at $1.4bn, of sexual harassment.
Perry's Profile and Recent Appearance
Tyler Perry, estimated to be one of the world's highest-paid entertainers, built his empire largely through the successful Madea franchise and his Atlanta-based Tyler Perry Studios. He was photographed arriving at the BET Awards on 9 June 2025 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, just as this lawsuit became public.
Beyond his film work, Perry made headlines in 2020 for offering Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a home in Los Angeles when they left the UK. He later said he identified with the couple's "emotional pain" and wanted to help because "no one else would."
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse is available from organisations including Rainn in the US and Rape Crisis in the UK.
